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Cortinarius subgenus Leprocybe in Europe: Expanded Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing Unveil Unexpected Diversity in the Mediterranean

Summary

This research explored the diversity of a group of mushrooms called Cortinarius in the Mediterranean region, discovering three previously unknown species. The study used advanced DNA sequencing techniques to analyze both fresh and historical specimens, helping resolve long-standing taxonomic debates. The findings highlight how the Mediterranean region harbors unique fungal species that have evolved to thrive in specific ecological niches. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps mycologists and naturalists better identify and classify mushroom species in their local environments – Advances understanding of fungal biodiversity conservation in Mediterranean ecosystems – Demonstrates the value of new DNA sequencing technologies for studying historical specimens – Contributes to knowledge about symbiotic relationships between fungi and Mediterranean plants – Highlights the importance of preserving Mediterranean habitats for unique species

Background

Molecular phylogenies in recent years have shown that the described diversity of Cortinarius fungi is still underestimated, particularly outside continental and boreal regions where the genus has been historically studied. The subgenus Leprocybe includes species with dry, tomentose pilei cuticles with green-olivaceous to yellow-rusty colors, subglobose to broadly ellipsoid warty spores, and unique UV-fluorescent pigments known as ‘leprocybins’. About 30 published names from Europe, North America and Costa Rica fit this description.

Objective

The study aimed to revisit the unresolved subgenus Leprocybe, focusing on the largely unexplored Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot. Specific objectives included obtaining sequences from European holotypes, defining evolutionary limits between lineages, clarifying status of Mediterranean collections, identifying reliable diagnostic traits, and updating ecology and biogeography for all taxa. The researchers also sought to evaluate whether Next Generation Sequencing could help resolve old holotypes contaminated by parasitic molds.

Results

The analysis allowed delineation of 11 species in the Leprocybe lineage, three of them new to science and formally introduced as C. jimenezianus, C. selinolens and C. viridans spp. nov. The newly described species exhibit strict Mediterranean distribution, with one potentially endemic to Cyprus. The study revealed 23 synonymies in this subgenus and previously undetected crypticism within C. venetus. Next Generation Sequencing successfully decrypted phylogenetic identities of three old contaminated holotypes, including C. leproleptopus.

Conclusion

The study significantly advances understanding of Cortinarius subgenus Leprocybe diversity, particularly in Mediterranean regions. The discovery of three new species with strict Mediterranean distribution highlights this region’s importance for fungal diversity. Next Generation Sequencing proved valuable for analyzing old type specimens. The research provides updated species boundaries, ecological patterns, and biogeographical distributions for European Leprocybe taxa.
  • Published in:Persoonia,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Research,
  • Source: 10.3767/persoonia.2021.46.07
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